Fill your weekend with holiday spirit and take in one of the many Christmas events going on in the Valley…
FRIDAY
Movies in the Park – “Elf”
7:30 p.m.
Since the hilarious Christmas flick staring Will Ferrell came out in 2003, watching “Elf” has become an annual holiday tradition in my family. So, when I heard this “LOL” film will be playing for free at the Center Lawn at Biltmore Fashion Park tonight, I had to let my readers know. Bring a blanket and/or chairs and snuggle up to the movie that brings laughter on Christmas.
Biltmore Fashion Park
2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-955-8400, www.shopbiltmore.com
Jingle Ball Jamz with Fabolous
8:30 p.m.
Hip hop meets Christmas as rap artist Fabolous will perform along with a special guest, Cut Throat Logic and GQ, at The Jingle Ball Jamz. Fabolous is known for such hits as “My Time” and “Throw It in the Bag.” There are $5 concert tickets available at Celebrity Theatre.
Celebrity Theatre
440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix
602.267.1600, www.celebritytheatre.com
Tree Lighting Ceremony
10 a.m. to 2 p.m
Come see the fabulous tree at ValleyLife all lit up at this year’s free Tree Lighting Ceremony in Phoenix. Santa Claus will also make an appearance at the event so bring the youngsters.
ValleyLife
1142 W. Hatcher Road, Phoenix
602.371.0806, www.valleylifeaz.org
SATURDAY
APS Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
2 to 7 p.m.
Who would have imagined a boat parade in the desert? Well believe it because this Saturday Tempe Town Lake will be lit up with the APS Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, which features as many as 50 festively lighted boats of all sizes and a colorful fireworks finale. The event is expecting nearly 30,000 spectators to attend. Also, enjoy the METRO light rail’s LED installation on the Tempe Town Lake Bridge! The parade, produced by the Downtown Tempe Community, Inc., managers of the Mill Avenue District, is free to the public.
Tempe Beach Park
80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
480.355.6060, millavenue.com
American Stars in Concert for the Holidays
7:30 p.m.
Come hear Christmas music by none other than various Top 10 American Idol Finalists! Contestants from Seasons 1 through 7 will take to the stage for the most exciting night of solo, duet and ensemble performances ever in one place. This new production, with musical direction by American Idol’s own Michael Orland, is a great way to see and hear the brightest Idol stars from seasons past, up close and personal in an intimate theatrical setting. The perfect gift for every one’s list – American Stars in Concert for the Holidays.
Mesa Arts Center
1 E. Main St., Mesa
480.644.6500, www.mesaartscenter.com
Christmas in the Park
9 a.m.
Experience all things Christmas as this free event is set to feature arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, visits with Santa, bouncers, rides and real snow! A community parade begins at 10 a.m. with marching bands, drill teams and floats. Evening activities continue at the Wigwam Resort and Spa from 5 to 7 p.m.
Litchfield Park
214 W. Wigwam Blvd., Goodyear
602.935.9040, www.litchfield-park.org
Apparently this boat thing is huge. I definitely want to see it.
so bummed I missed movies in the park!